When riding in a car, you entrust your health and safety to the person behind the wheel. A recent car accident in South Los Angeles involving an unlicensed driver raises serious questions.

In the early hours of the morning, the unlicensed driver was operating her vehicle with five other passengers. The driver slammed the vehicle into a tree, which injured all six women in the car. In the course of the incident, five people were thrown from the vehicle. Unfortunately, three of the women were not able to survive their injuries.

Investigators are looking into the accident, and are unsure if alcohol played a role. At this time, the driver has not been arrested on any charges relating to the accident, but has only been cited for driving without a license.

Unlicensed drivers have been the source of much debate over the last few months, as multiple accidents caused by drivers without licenses have occurred in that time frame. These incidents have brought serious attention to proposed changes to Los Angeles impound lot procedures. Proposed changes might allow certain unlicensed drivers to recover their vehicle before the current 30-day waiting period.

This incident involves some complicated circumstances, and raises many questions, but it’s certain that three women lost their lives as a result of the accident. What’s more is that the driver should not have been behind the wheel, no matter what. Having a valid driver’s license is an indication that you meet the state’s requirements to drive. Requiring valid licenses to drive is also a way to protect the safety of your passengers and other people on the road.